Research on the Reasonable Range of Stone Chip Fineness Modulus and Factors Affecting Concrete Technical Properties

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the stone chip fineness modulus on concrete workability, mechanical properties, and durability to establish an acceptable fineness modulus range. In the fineness modulus range (2.1–3.3), the concrete slump tends to increase and then decrease as the fineness modulus of the stone chips increases, reaching its maximum value at 3.2. Higher fineness modulus increase concrete mix’s segregation and water secretion. The mechanical strength tends to first increase and then stabilize, becoming almost unaffected when the fineness modulus exceeds 2.6. The penetration depth, mass loss rate, and compressive strength loss rate are found to increase, indicating that as the fineness modulus increases, concrete durability worsens. Therefore, the recommended range for the stone chip fineness modulus is 2.6–3.2 for preparing stone chip concrete.